THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Today I spent some time in prayer for
our servicemen and women who are in harm's way. I prayed for their
families, I prayed for those who are still in harm's way, whether it be
American troops or coalition troops.

The sacrifice that our folks are making in Iraq will serve our
nation's interests in the short-term and long-term. It's best to
defeat the terrorists in Iraq so we don't have to defeat them here. As
well, a free and stable Iraq, in the heart of a part of the world where
there is frustration and anger, where the recruiters of hatred are able
to find terrorists, a free Iraq will be a transforming event. And I
appreciate the families who are making the sacrifices, along with our
troops.

As well, in Iraq, it was a tough week, but we made progress toward
a sovereign and free Iraq. The Iraqi Governing Council has laid out a
timetable for the transfer of sovereignty. We're pleased with that
timetable, we think it makes sense. On the one hand, the politics is
moving on, on the other hand, we're going to stay tough and deal with
the terrorists.

I also talked to Prime Minister Erdogan over the weekend, expressed
our deep condolences for the senseless deaths caused by bombings in
Turkey. He assured me that he would fight the terrorists and bring the
terrorists to justice. I told him we would help, and we're grateful.
But it's just a reminder that the war on terror takes place on
different fronts.

At home, I am pleased with the progress made on the energy bill and
on Medicare. I want to thank the leaders in the House and the Senate
for coming together on two important pieces of legislation. On
Medicare, it looks like there's agreement on principle to provide our
seniors with a modern Medicare plan. And that's very positive news. I
urge the members of the House and the Senate to take a look at it, vote
it and get it to my desk as soon as possible.

And I'm pleased that we're finally developing a national energy
plan. So we're making good progress on the domestic front here at
home.

Let me answer a couple of questions.

Q Can you comment on the latest tape, reportedly from Saddam
Hussein, that's being aired now?

THE PRESIDENT: I haven't seen the specifics. I suspect it's the
same old stuff. You know, it's propaganda. We're not leaving until
the job is done, pure and simple. A free and peaceful Iraq will be a
historic event. And I'm sure he would like to see us leave. In fact,
it's his voice. And I know that elements of the Baathist party --
those who used to torture, maim and kill in order to stay in power --
would like to see us leave. We will do our job.

Randy.

Q Mr. President, what information do you have about the chopper
crash --

THE PRESIDENT: No more than you have. It's sad. It's a sad day
when we lose life. It doesn't matter whether it's in a chopper crash
or an IED, the loss of life is sad.

Q What plans do you have for security after the new transition
plan is implemented, after the Iraqi sovereignty is granted? How do
you ensure --

THE PRESIDENT: Well, it depends on what's taking place on the
ground. Somebody told me, they said, well, this means there's going to
be less troops. Politics is going to go forward. The political
process will move on. And we'll adjust our troop level according to
the security situation in Iraq.

Yes. Who are you with?

Q I'm with Fox News Channel.

THE PRESIDENT: Very good.

Q Are you concerned at all about the protests that you're going
to be facing in London when you go?

THE PRESIDENT: No, I'm not concerned at all. I'm glad to be going
to a free country where people are allowed to protest. Not the least
bit.

Yes, who are you with?

Q I'm with CNN.

THE PRESIDENT: Good.

Q Do you see the use of surface to air missiles as an
escalation in the conflict in Iraq?

THE PRESIDENT: It's symptomatic of the fact that there was a lot
of weapons lying around. And we've just got to bring these killers to
justice, which we will. The military is adjusting. You've been
reading about the fact that they're adjusting their strategy and their
plans. That's exactly what the Commander-in-Chief expects, flexibility
on the ground to change response to a change of tactics with the
enemy.

Hillman.

Q Yes, are you concerned at all with your visit to London, that
it comes at a kind of uncomfortable time, in some respects, with Prime
Minister Blair --

THE PRESIDENT: No, I'm not concerned about my trip to London. I'm
really looking forward to it. It's the second, "are you concerned"
question about my trip to England. I'm really looking forward to it.
It's going to be a fantastic experience. I know you -- do you have
something else on the concerned question there? I cut you off. I beg
your pardon.

Q No, there have just been, you know, immense speculation that
this is coming at an awkward political time for you and the Prime
Minister, for that matter.

THE PRESIDENT: Awkward political time for me? No, I'm looking
forward to the trip. I'm honored to have been invited. I look forward
to my consultations with Tony Blair. We visit all the time via
telephone or via secure video link. I'm looking forward to sitting
down with him in person. It's going to be a great trip.

I guess -- everywhere -- every time I go somewhere there is immense
speculation. I'm not suggesting you're the speculators, but I remember
before I went to the Far East, there was some speculation about this,
some speculation about that. No, I'm looking forward to it. It's
going to be a great trip.

Yes, sir.

Q Mr. President, are you any closer to a decision on steel?

THE PRESIDENT: Than I was Friday?

Q Yes.

THE PRESIDENT: Well, if there is a date at which I'm going to make
it, I guess I'm two days closer. But, no, I'm thinking about it. I've
got some considerations. People are presenting reports to me, which I
will look at, and let you know at the appropriate time, when I make up
my mind.

Yes, sir.

Q NBC News.

THE PRESIDENT: Very good.

Q Okay, thank you. Mr. President, what do you think the
chances are of getting the Medicare bill passed?

THE PRESIDENT: The what, Medicare? You know, that's a good
question. I think it's good. I think -- I'm pleased we've come this
far. And I think there's going to be immense pressure on members of
both the House and the Senate to support this bill. It's a good piece
of legislation. It is a complex piece of legislation. After all,
we're changing a Medicare system that has been stuck in the past for a
long period of time.

We're beginning to get a sense of the supporters for this piece of
legislation. And there's some mighty active groups of people who are
interested in good health care for our seniors that are getting
mobilized. So I think we've got a good chance of passing it. I know I
will be actively pushing the bill, because it conforms to the
principles I laid out of prescription drugs for our seniors: choice
for seniors, accountability for the Medicare plan. There's a lot of
good features in this bill. I look forward to working to see its
passage.